Stocks in the news: Intel, Ford, Verizon, MGM Mirage

Intel (INTC) got the dubious first place today as the EU fined the chip maker 1.06 billion euros ($1.45 billion), more than Microsoft's largest fine on monopoly abuse so far. The EU said Intel used illegal sales tactics to shut out smaller rival AMD (AMD). Shares were up nearly 2 percent before the bell as CEO Paul Otellini told analysts that the business was a little better than expected during the second quarter.

Ford Motor Co. (F) continued to drop to this morning after plummeting over 17 percent Tuesday. The automaker is pricing its 300 million share offering at $4.75 each -- a discount to Tuesday's $5.01 close -- raising $1.4 billion. Shares declined 3.8 percent in pre-market trade.

Dr Pepper Snapple (DPS) in the first quarter earned, on an adjusted basis, 37 cents a share, handily beating estimates of 28 cents a share. 2009 forecast also was above analyst estimates. DPS stock jumped over 8 percent before the bell.

Liz Claiborne (LIZ) reported that its first-quarter loss, excluding items, was 37 cents a share, below analyst projections for a loss of 22 cents a share. Sales tumbled 29 percent to $780 million. The company expects results to improve by the third quarter and turn to an adjusted operating profit in the fourth quarter. LIZ shares plunged over 11 percent in pre-market trading.

Macy's (M) reported a quarterly loss that was smaller than expected. Shares dropped some 4 percent before the bell.

Applied Materials Inc. (AMAT) reported after the close Tuesday, posting a loss in its second fiscal quarter on a sharp drop in sales of its semiconductor manufacturing gear. Results were inline with estimates. Shares declined 1.8 percent before the bell.

BMC Software Inc. (BMC) said its fiscal fourth-quarter net income fell, but it beat estimates. Shares dropped over 7 percent in pre-market trade.

Freddie Mac (FRE) posted a loss of $9.9 billion, or $3.14 per share Tuesday and said it is looking for $6.1 billion in additional government aid as the cost to taxpayers from the housing market bust keeps growing. More than $63 billion of Freddie Mac's loans were either 90 days overdue or in foreclosure at the end of March, nearly triple year-ago levels. Shares declined 3.5 percent before the bell.

MGM Mirage (MGM) plans to raise $2.5 billion through stock and bond offerings to pay down a portion of its more than $14 billion in debt. Shares plummeted nearly 12 percent in pre-market action.

AIG (AIG) executives are to the insurer's plan for paying back billions of taxpayer dollars at the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee At 10 a.m. Eastern. AIG shares declined nearly 4 percent before the bell.

Morgan Stanley (MS) was fined by UK 1.4 million pounds ($2.1 million) for failing to effectively control a former senior proprietary trader, which led to a $120 million markdown to his books. Shares declined 2.9 percent.

General Motors (GM) shares hit a new 76-year low Tuesday of $1.09. Shares closed at $1.15. Shares continued their downward march.